Best American Prospect at 168
Now that Taylor has lost to Froch and Jeff Lacy has become an afterthought, who will be the man to redeem American honor in deep SMW division?
There are three names, all talented, who might step up - Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell, and Allen Green.
Allen Green - he seems to be the media darling. He's on FnF several times. He was the opening act for Taylor/Froch, and believe that the Miranda fight was a BAD headliner. He has consistently dominated the fighters that he is supposed to beat, McCrary, Ravelo, and De Leon. He KO'd Codrington in 1. He was considered the best up and comer at 168 until he dropped to 160 and got beat easily by Edson Miranda. It later turned out that had colon issues and after surgery, he's missing 80% of it. He looked good in last outing and he talks a good game.
Andre Ward - 2004 Olympic Gold winner at LWH. He has developed slowly due to several injuries. Early in his career he had a bad tendency to leave his chin hanging out. He's been down several times against weak opponents. He has dominated the weak opposition that he has faced. Seems to have punching power, but it's hard to judge based on his level of opponent. Of the three fighters, He has the best amateur credentials, but he has fought the least credible opposition. He is scheduled for an huge step up on class against Miranda in May. This may or may not be a good move. He clearly has much more skill than Miranda so he chin may never come into question, but it may get seriously checked by Edson.
Andre Dirrell - It's been said that Andre Ward fought at 178 instead of his more natural 165 in the Amateurs so that both he and Dirrell could go to Athens. Ward one the gold, Dirrell won the bronze. Dirrell has also gotten his share of exposure. He was probably hurt by his completely boring performance against Curtis Stevens on a BAD card where he was clearly the superior fighter but coasted to UD in one of the worst fight I've seen in a while. Since then, nobody has made it past 6 with him, including Anthony Hanshaw and Victor Oganov. He looked pretty damn good in the Oganov fight. Power is good when he is aggressive, and he slips and counters well. He does leave himself open when he throws punches in bunches.
Pending results of the Ward Miranda fight, my eyes tell me Dirrell is going to be the best of this bunch. Even with only 18 fights, I think he needs one or two step up opponents to be ready for the best in the division. I would give him a good shot against Froch right now. I wouldn't mind seeing him fight Pascal, Vitali Tsypko, or even Manfredo Jr as a benchmark for where he is right now.
So vote and give your reasons.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.
Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.
Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.
Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.
Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Easily Andre Dirrell, he is p4p as fast as anyone, he has slick moves off the ropes, he can fight either southpaw or orthodox, but like I said he is so fast that nobody will be able to deal with his speed. He doesn't have great power, but he gets a lot of force behind his shots which means people can't just watch through what he is dishing out.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
I voted for Michigan s own Andre Dirrell and keep an eye out for his bro Anthony as well.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Almost impossible to see anything of his brother, its looks like he has similar speed and more power, but you can't deny Andre's amazing amateur experience and success.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WelshDevilRob
I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.
Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.
Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.
Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.
Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.
I wouldn't shocked to see Ward get by Miranda. He has good footwork, keeps his hands in good position, and hits pretty hard (though his jab is more range finder than punishing weapon). With the exception of Eastman, all the guys Miranda has beaten have been lower level fighters.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Violent Demise
Dominic Wade
A little too early for me to tell on this kid, what is he 18? Wasn't he a Jr. Olympic champ a few times?
I'd rate Jacobs ahead
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
They are finally replaying Green/Deleon jr right now.That was a good hard Ko over tinfoil chinned Jr. Green looks to be getting back on track,called out anyone and everyone.....but to me,he looks like he has two left feet at times,choppy.
Seems they are determined to get Ears Jacobs into the big time.Crazy the turn around he'll be pulling this weekend on PPV undercard after fighting only last Friday night.Always a little weary with so many quick KO's and limited rounds?All the physical tools but really could use some hard rounds Imo.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spicoli
They are finally replaying Green/Deleon jr right now.That was a good hard Ko over tinfoil chinned Jr. Green looks to be getting back on track,called out anyone and everyone.....but to me,he looks like he has two left feet at times,choppy.
Seems they are determined to get Ears Jacobs into the big time.Crazy the turn around he'll be pulling this weekend on PPV undercard after fighting only last Friday night.Always a little weary with so many quick KO's and limited rounds?All the physical tools but really could use some hard rounds Imo.
2 fights in 8 days! Doesn't it remind you of the old days?
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Easily Dirrell.
I no longer rate Green as a prospect.
He's a contender IMO.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Too early to call but look out for my boy from East L.A. Shawn Estrada.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Dirrell's a bit all offense or all defense, he comes unglued a bit too easily and he doesn't look like the sturdiest guy but he does have a lot of natural potential so I guess I'd say him but I wouldn't count out Ward yet. I think he'll beat Miranda.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Galaxy
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Violent Demise
Dominic Wade
A little too early for me to tell on this kid, what is he 18? Wasn't he a Jr. Olympic champ a few times?
I'd rate Jacobs ahead
Yeah. He's still a pre-pospect. But I been keeping an eye on him since he was 16
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
OumaFan
Dirrell's a bit all offense or all defense, he comes unglued a bit too easily and he doesn't look like the sturdiest guy but he does have a lot of natural potential so I guess I'd say him but I wouldn't count out Ward yet. I think he'll beat Miranda.
Exactly my thoughts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Taeth
Easily Andre Dirrell, he is p4p as fast as anyone, he has slick moves off the ropes, he can fight either southpaw or orthodox, but like I said he is so fast that nobody will be able to deal with his speed. He doesn't have great power, but he gets a lot of force behind his shots which means people can't just watch through what he is dishing out.
Ward can fight either southpaw or orthodox too, he’s fast too, but in the end I’d go with Dirrell too.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Galaxy
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spicoli
They are finally replaying Green/Deleon jr right now.That was a good hard Ko over tinfoil chinned Jr. Green looks to be getting back on track,called out anyone and everyone.....but to me,he looks like he has two left feet at times,choppy.
Seems they are determined to get Ears Jacobs into the big time.Crazy the turn around he'll be pulling this weekend on PPV undercard after fighting only last Friday night.Always a little weary with so many quick KO's and limited rounds?All the physical tools but really could use some hard rounds Imo.
2 fights in 8 days! Doesn't it remind you of the old days?
I bet he jumped at the chance to be on such a big bill. The type of exposure that will do him the World of good.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RozzySean
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WelshDevilRob
I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.
Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.
Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.
Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.
Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.
I wouldn't shocked to see Ward get by Miranda. He has good footwork, keeps his hands in good position, and hits pretty hard (though his jab is more range finder than punishing weapon). With the exception of Eastman, all the guys Miranda has beaten have been lower level fighters.
Quite alot of posters have Ward as the favourite going in. I am abit biased towards Edison as he's one of my favourite fighters.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CutMeMick
Too early to call but look out for my boy from East L.A. Shawn Estrada.
NOOOO...unless he develops better defense or better handspeed I think he's a less powerful Fernando Vargas.
Dirrell is pretty good, I am not sold on Ward being the end all be all, but he should still be pretty good.
...if only Tavoris Cloud was at 168
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WelshDevilRob
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RozzySean
Quote:
Originally Posted by
WelshDevilRob
I've only seen a few fights of each fighter - probably more of Allan Green as he's been a contender awhile longer than the other two.
Of the 3; my favourite to watch stylewise is Andre Dirrell - when he lets those hands go it is truly amazing.
Who goes the furthest? Well I think Green will challenge for a title but lose - he is a decent name and a worthy challenger but at the moment I can see all of the current champions beating him.
Andre Ward - I'm not sold on, he's looked a little shaky at the lower level but does possess a good defensive skills. I think he's going to come unstuck against Edison Miranda and that will be the end of him - if he can take 'Pantera's' power and wins then he will have a great future.
Andre Dirrell - Of the 3; he is where I would put my money. He seems an exciting talent who can switch hit with ease. He seems to lack abit of power but the speed more than makes up for it.
Dirrell has the potential to be a major star.
I wouldn't shocked to see Ward get by Miranda. He has good footwork, keeps his hands in good position, and hits pretty hard (though his jab is more range finder than punishing weapon). With the exception of Eastman, all the guys Miranda has beaten have been lower level fighters.
Quite alot of posters have Ward as the favourite going in. I am abit biased towards Edison as he's one of my favourite fighters.
This is a hard fight to pick. Edison has lost whenever he has stepped in with top level fighters, but Ward is pretty much were Carl Froch was before the Pascal fight, maybe a little ahead in terms of competition faced. He hast the amateur pedigree, he has been hyped a little, and it remains to be seen if he will be great or just good.
I think Edson is a Ward's Jean Pascal. Pascal was made for Froch because he was talented enough to test him, but he doesn't punch hard enough to hurt him. The only was Froch was going to lose was if Pascal was so fast that he could outpoint him. In this fight, Edison is can punch. That makes him dangerous and credible. He's been in with world class fighters and beaten some OK guys, better guys than Ward has fought. There's a real chance he could KO Ward. At the same time, he has limited skill and we know he can be KO'd.
I like Pantera, too, but unfortunately, this is his role now. He's a test horse. He's perfect for the role because people are always interested to see a prospect in with a guy fights aggressive and can punch. That's Pantera.
Re: Best American Prospect at 168
Looked like HBO was focused in a big way on spr Middle hopefuls coming up.Daniel Jacobs secured a key spot on that card in rare turn around time for fighters today,fighting just 8 days prior.I think the kids got a future and great size.....but he really did not leave me clamoring for the front row seat in his next one ??He got some much needed rounds and had to change up his game midway.It should benefit him greatly.
But man,that dude stands so tall.Head straight up.He showed some flurries but not much consistent steam.He was a little caught up in the moment,constantly checking the over head display,getting cute with the camera,winking ,kissing,talking to crowd between rounds.Should be fun too watch but thinking they should take time with him,to many guys rushed today.
Matt Korobov,very early in professional development but that one is a beast of a powerful southpaw.Considering the mis matched opposition,Steward and Lampley were going over the top pumping him up,just a bit.He looked smoother than he had last time he was on ESPN,not as rigid.And damn sure looks to have some serious one punch power,chops to the body axe handle style.Arum looks to have lofty hopes for him.Looong way to go though.
